The Mets and Dellin Betances were hoping for a bounceback season in what would be his first full season in Queens, but his 2021 is not off to a great start.
Following a spring training full of diminished fastball velocity and questions regarding his future in the bullpen, the Mets placed Betances on the 10-day IL with a right shoulder impingement prior to Thursday’s home opener against the Marlins. Trevor Hildenberger was called up to replace Betances, who has been battling consistent injuries in recent seasons.
The big righty pitched an inning against the Phillies on Wednesday, allowing one run while striking out one. In his seven innings of work in spring training, the 33-year-old allowed six earned runs on five hits and four walks, while averaging a fastball in the low 90s after typically averaging over 97 mph on his heater during his days with the Yankees.
Betances was one of the most valuable relievers in baseball during his tenure in the Bronx, posting some of the highest strikeout numbers in the league. But he missed the majority of the 2019 season with shoulder and lat injuries, and when he finally returned down the stretch of the season, he suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon. He has been struggling to get back to his All-Star ways ever since.
Hildenberger pitched just 3.1 innings in spring training this season, allowing one run on two hits. The 30-year-old pitched 16.1 innings for the Twins in 2019, allowing 19 earned runs in what was his most recent big-league season.
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